Along with the bombshell news, CMT has also released the first official trailer for the upcoming season. The footage is quintessential Nashville, featuring steamy kisses, flashing lights, tears and fierce fights.

Season 5 comes much to the delight of Nashville fans who rallied for the show’s return when ABC canceled the music drama earlier this year after four seasons.

“The wave of love and appreciation they have unleashed for Nashville has been overwhelming,” CMT President Brian Philips said in a statement then. “We see our fans and ourselves in this show and we will treasure it like no other network. Nashville belongs on CMT.”

Hulu will also be airing the special the day after the linear premiere on Dec. 16. To catch up before the event, seasons 1-4 of Nashville are available now to exclusively stream on Hulu, and new episodes will run after the season premieres in January.